Renault 4 CV Pale Grey "L'Equipe" Tour de France 1948
Scale: 1/43rd
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This white Renault 4CV "L'Équipe" miniature recreates one of the most iconic vehicles of the 1948 Tour de France cycling race. This faithful replica captures the spirit of an era when French motoring was being reborn after the war, embodied by the revolutionary little saloon that followed the Grande Boucle.
A true collector's piece for car and cycling enthusiasts, this miniature celebrates a remarkable moment in history, when sport and the French car industry came together to write a new chapter.
The Renault 4CV was launched in 1946, marking the rebirth of the French car industry after the Second World War. Developed in secret during the occupation by a team including Ferdinand Porsche and Renault engineers, this small rear-engined saloon revolutionised affordable transport in France.
With its 760 cc four-cylinder engine producing 17 horsepower, the 4CV offered an economical and modern way to get around. Its innovative design, inspired by the Volkswagen Beetle, combined mechanical simplicity with impressive interior space for such a compact car. Top speed was 90 km/h, a respectable performance for the era.
Its commercial success was immediate: by 1949, the 4CV already accounted for 45% of French car production. It put motoring within reach of thousands of families, bringing personal car ownership to a France that was rebuilding.
In 1948, Renault had only just been nationalised in 1945, following Louis Renault's collaboration with the German occupiers. Under the leadership of Pierre Lefaucheux, the state-owned Régie Renault was reinventing itself with a mission to build cars accessible to the widest possible audience.
Founded in 1899 by the Renault brothers, the company had already left its mark on motoring history through its engineering innovations and competition successes. In the postwar years, Renault embodied the hope of a modern, socially minded French industry, driven by values of progress and accessibility. The 4CV perfectly embodied this new philosophy.
1948 marked a landmark partnership between Renault and the newspaper L'Équipe for the Tour de France. That edition gave birth to a tradition that would last for decades: a fleet of Renault vehicles accompanying the race.
Jacques Goddet, the Tour's race director and head of L'Équipe, personally selected the Renault 4CV as the event's official car. These little white saloons, bearing the L'Équipe logo, travelled the roads of France carrying journalists, organisers and officials. Their reliability and low running costs made them ideal companions for this three-week epic.
This alliance of sport and motoring marked Renault's entry into the modern era of sports marketing. Images of these white 4CVs winding over the Alpine and Pyrenean passes, ahead of or behind the peloton, etched the link between Renault and French cycling into the public imagination.
More than a simple commercial tie-up, this partnership showcased the democratisation of French motoring. The 4CV, within reach of ordinary people, rubbed shoulders with cycling champions in a Tour de France that was regaining its former prestige after the wartime interruption.
This Renault 4CV "L'Équipe" is a natural fit for any collection dedicated to Tour de France vehicles. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models of the period, including classic Renaults and French cars from the postwar years.
For motoring history enthusiasts, this miniature sits beautifully alongside other classics from 1950 to 1979 or promotional vehicles. Collectors specialising in saloons will find a remarkable example of the evolution of French car design.
This piece appeals to seasoned collectors as well as fans of cycling and motoring history. It makes an excellent starting point for exploring our 1940s miniatures and 1950s miniatures, pivotal decades in French motoring.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.